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Home Security, Travel Safety and Self Defense Martial Arts

ADT which stands for American District Telegraph dates back to 1847 when it was an American telegraph delivery company. In other words, ADT delivered telegraphs. When people started using phones more as the 1900s approached, ADT slowly saw its messenger business drawing down. So between 1910 and 1930, ADT started looking into providing nearby homes with fire alarm and home burglar alarm systems. The rest is history.

Through several acquisitions and the such, ADT became a household name in home security. Sources show that by 1964 ADT had almost 80% of the market in home security – and in some cities like New York and Memphis, they were the sole provider! They were like the Google of search and Facebook of social media back in the sixties! ADT also provides security to corporate facilities as well.
ADT’s reputation continues through the generations, and is still a household name. Just ask anyone what ADT is, and most people will tell you that they think it is a security company. And they would be right. ADT is today the largest security company in both the US and Canada with over 6.5 million customers, and as of 2013 ADT has 25% of the home security market and 13% of small business security in the United States.

The recent CES was host to some amazing new security-related innovations–both in terms of new upstarts bringing sleeker and more cost-effective solutions as well as security industry titans upping their game by forging relationships with other sectors, as well as adopting newer technologies in their monitored systems.

ISmart Alarm Home Security – The Upstart

This interesting new product allows you to monitor your home through your smartphone. With a starting cost of $75 and no monthly fees, they may be poised to make a dent in the more expensive options. The ISA is going to be especially attractive to renters living in spaces where owners won’t allow for security system installation.

ADT – Home Security Titan Expands

Not to be outdone by more cost-effective (but less security-effective) options, ADT gives people more reasons to pay for their monthly monitoring services. With recent upgrades to ADT Pulse (adopting a voice app, remote garage control and wireless platform), and partnerships with Ford, McAfee Continue reading →

This is my personal and budgeted DIY home security. It’s worth noting that I am self-employed and work from home (if I worked long hours in an office, I would also have some sort of home security monitoring service).

For years, the violent crime rate has been dropping. However, according the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, this trend ticked back up in 2012. In this report, violent crimes consists of aggravated assault, robbery, forcible rape, and murder and non-negligent manslaughter. Read full report (PDF).

So you went out and bought your first (or not your first) home video security camera. Congrats. Now you’re stuck there trying to figure out how to remote monitor it, right? It’s actually pretty simple, let’s check it out.

Right now the trendiest home video security camera is Dropcam, a wireless camera that can be remote monitored. However, there are many excellent alternatives that can suit your needs. ADT, for example, offers great options for remote monitored home security cameras

The best part about these cameras is that you can check in to see live feed from the camera anytime you want. How do you do this? You can remote monitor it from anywhere around the globe, so long as you are on a computer or your smart phone. In some cases, you will have to download an app that will give you full functional control over your camera, but this is easily done, and can provide you with that extra peace of mind while you’re away.

Let me preface this by sharing with you that I own several firearms. My first purchase was a basic Mossberg 500 which I’ve since modified with a new stock. This has been home defense/go-to firearm and I have had some training with it (training, which I’ve passed on to my wife). My other firearms are mainly for recreational use.

I should also disclose that I am not an NRA member, and I don’t necessarily care for the whole “gun culture” which seems to have a very ‘good ol’ boy’ and even bully-like atmosphere about it.

Having said all of this, I believe that having a firearm in the household is Continue reading →